Indigenous Land-Based Summer Internship Program 2026 (Application Open Now)

 

Centre for Indigenous Land-Based Education, Research, and Wellness at xʷc̓ic̓əsəm

 

Indigenous Land-Based Summer Internship Program 2026

The Centre for Indigenous Land-Based Education, Research, and Wellness at xʷc̓ ic̓ əsəm, within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, is accepting applications for Summer 2026 internships. Situated on the unceded lands and waterways of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people at UBC Farm, the Centre is directed by Indigenous faculty, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and students.

About the Centre:

The Centre addresses educational and research needs related to Indigenous knowledges, emphasizing their intersections with other knowledge systems. Its key objectives include: Promoting land-based health and wellness, supporting traditional plant knowledge, fostering Indigenous food sovereignty, advancing land stewardship, and enhancing food security.

Internship Overview

The Summer Internship program offers hands-on experience in various areas, enhancing access to both traditional and non-traditional plant and food knowledge and practices. The Centre partners with Indigenous communities, organizations, and schools, while supporting UBC’s teaching and learning efforts. Participants engage in community-based research, experiential learning, and land-based education, emphasizing Indigenous plant knowledge and active community participation. Interns will:

  • Contribute to ongoing research projects.
  • Gain experience in planning and implementing pilot-scale studies.
  • Assist in qualitative and quantitative data collection using Indigenous methodologies.
  • Develop practical research skills and deepen their understanding of Indigenous land-based research and community-engaged practices.

Internship Options

Interns can choose between two options based on the number of credits they wish to earn:

  1. Eight weeks (3 credits): May 4–June 30 or July 6–August 31, 2026.
  2. Sixteen weeks (6 credits): Participation in both cohorts or negotiation of hours and project scope.

Enrollment in the APBI 497 directed studies course in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems is mandatory unless the instructor grants special permission for an alternative option. The credits earned will count toward the UBC degree, subject to approval from the relevant faculty programs.

Intern Responsibilities

  • Assist Elders and Knowledge Keepers during land-based activities and routine garden maintenance.
  • Participate in weekly discussions.
  • Document and share land-based activities via the Garden’s social media channels.
  • Support volunteer coordination and garden activities.
  • Contribute to research data collection and provide program support as needed.
  • Help coordinate, promote, and evaluate workshops or tours during the growing season.
  • Engage in food production activities at the Musqueam Garden.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants should ideally meet the following criteria:

  • Be a current UBC undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in Indigenous health and wellness, Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous food sovereignty, food security, gardening, or related fields.
  • Have experience conducting literature reviews, implementing qualitative and quantitative research, and using information technology.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm for research, Indigenous pedagogy, effective communication, and cross-cultural engagement.
  • Be able to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
  • Have awareness of Indigenous worldviews, cultural diversity, histories, and contemporary issues.

Position Details

  • Type: Unpaid internship.
  • Commitment: Minimum of 10 hours per week for either 8 weeks (3 credits) or 16 weeks (6 credits).
  • Supervision: Dr. Eduardo Jovel, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, will oversee the internship and directed study. Dr. Alannah Young will jointly supervise land-based activities. Projects, deliverables, and supervision terms will be determined collaboratively with the supervisor.

Application Process

To apply, submit the following documents:

  1. A current CV.
  2. A brief cover letter (maximum 700 words, in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format) including:
    • Personal/professional background information.
    • Areas of focus, interests, objectives, and goals.
    • Intentions and expectations regarding participation in the program.

Submission Details: Email applications to indigenousgardenlfs.irp@ubc.ca, with copies to alannah.young@ubc.ca and eduardo.jovel@ubc.ca.

Deadline: April 10, 2026.